The view from High
Point Monument, at 1,803 feet above sea level, is a spectacular
panorama of rich farmland and forest, soft hills and lush
valleys in three states. The blue line of the Delaware River
divides the verdant ridges of New Jersey from those of Pennsylvania.
High Point offers superb trails for hikers and skiers and
quiet spots for campers and anglers.

The land for High Point State Park, donated
by Colonel Anthony R. and Susie Dryden Kuser, was dedicated
as a park in 1923. The pleasant landscaping was designed by
the Olmsted Brothers of Boston, a prominent landscape architectural
firm of that time. The brothers were the sons of the eminent
Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed Central Park.

Keep Your Park Clean

Through the Carry-In/Carry-Out Program you can help us keep your parks clean and beautiful by carrying out the trash you carry in. Bags are provided throughout the site. Thank you for your cooperation and remember to recycle.

Access for Persons with Disabilities

High Point State Park facilities are partially accessible for persons with disabilities. Please contact the park office for further information regarding disability access needs. Text telephone (TT) users, call the New Jersey Relay Service at (800) 852-7899.

The NJ Department of Environmental Protection (Department) has been receiving comments and concerns expressed on the construction work underway by Tennessee Gas Co., LLC (TG) on its northeast upgrade project (NEUP). Portions of the project are within High Point and Ringwood State Parks as well as on other state lands and areas within Sussex, Passaic and Bergen counties. During the construction period there will be heightened noise level and transporting of heavy equipment to conduct the work. Any land and/or wildlife disturbance during this period is being carefully monitored by the Department to ensure that TG is following all permit conditions and mitigation measures are fully implemented. Compliance monitors on site include individuals trained in endangered species identification and relocation. Additionally, mitigation measures include all areas disturbed must be restored after construction ends.

High Point Monument

The monument was built through the generosity of the Kusers, in honor of all war veterans. Construction was started in 1928 and completed in 1930. At the top of the 220-foot structure, observers have a breathtaking view of the ridges of the Pocono Mountains toward the west, the Catskill Mountains to the north and the Wallkill River Valley in the southeast.

Monument: Open weekends and holidays from Memorial Day weekend until June 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (staff permitting). Open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. from June 24 through Labor Day (staff permitting).Open weekends and holidays after Labor Day until Columbus Day (staff and weather permitting) from 9:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Interpretive Programs

The park offers a variety of interpretive and educational programs on a year-round basis. Nature hikes, stream walks and talks are conducted by the park naturalist. Please contact the park office for additional program information and to register. Program fees may apply.

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Swimming

The spring-fed waters of the 20-acre Lake Marcia are cool and refreshing for swimmers. The beach is protected by lifeguards
and there is a bathhouse and food concession adjacent to the
beach. Inner
tubes, rafts and other flotation devices are not permitted
in the swimming area. Only Coast Guard approved life jackets are permitted. Pets are prohibited on the beach.

Boats may be launched at specific locations at Sawmill Lake and Steenykill Lake. Boating is permitted subject to New Jersey's boating regulations and NJ State Park Service rules. Check with the park office for launch sites. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices are required for each boat occupant. Power boats are limited to electric motors only.

Each November High Point State Park allows hunters to participate in a special deer hunt in a designated area of the park (Deer Management Zone 67). To participate, hunters must purchase a Zone 67 permit from a license agent or via the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Internet license sales site.

Dryden Kuser Natural Area
(1,500 acres)

At 1,500 feet above sea level, the Atlantic
white cedar swamp in Dryden Kuser Natural Area is the highest
elevation swamp of its kind in the world. A self-guided trail
booklet for those who wish to hike the swamp trail is available
at the park office. Endangered species include the three-tooth
cinquefoil and Cooper's hawk.

Trails

With over 50 miles of trails, High Point State Park offers visitors a variety of trail options throughout the year, Designated multiple-use trails are available for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, dogsledding and snowmobiling. Trails vary in length from one half-mile to 18 miles and take visitors through unique and diverse landscapes including an Atlantic white cedar swamp, mountain ridge tops with 360-degree views, dense forests, fields and wetlands.

HIGH POINT STATE PARK WINTER TRAIL USE INFO (December 1 through April 1)

When the High Point Cross Country Ski Center is in operation, a trail pass is required for all use of any trail north of Route 23 (with the exception of the Appalachian Trail). When the ski center is not in operation (when there is not adequate snow cover) trails are open for designated use without a trail pass. Trail passes and rentals may be acquired at the ski center lodge located adjacent to Lake Marcia. Parking is available in the Lake parking lot. Trail conditions can be found at xcskihighpoint.com

All trails south of Route 23 are open for designated use at all times without a trail pass. Parking is available off of Route 23 at the Appalachian Trail parking lot, park office, or winter use lot located on Park Ridge Road. Refer to "Stokes State Forest/High Point State Park Winter Activities Map" for more information. PLEASE NOTE THE PIPELINE IS NO LONGER A DESIGNATED SNOWMOBILE TRAIL. Trail condition information is available by calling (973) 875-4800

The Appalachian Trail is open to foot travel only (including snowshoeing) at all times and a trail pass is never required.

To the south, the Appalachian Trail follows
a rocky ridge which offers many scenic views of the valleys
and mountains surrounding the area. To the north, the trail
drops off the ridge through hemlock gorges into former agricultural
fields with a view of the surrounding countryside and the
High Point Monument in the distance.

Cedar
Swamp Trail

The Dryden Kuser Natural Area includes a
distinctive bog, locally called the Cedar Swamp. The Cedar
Swamp Trail makes a one and a half mile loop around the bog.
The trail guide described the spring-summer vegetation and
other features of the bog and the surrounding area. The descriptions
in the guide correspond to numbered posts on the trail. As
you enjoy the natural beauty of this area, please remember
to leave it undisturbed for future visitors.

Winter months find cross-country skiers
on the 15 km of groomed trails in the park. Cross-country skis and other
winter sports equipment are available for rent. A blazing
fire, hot soup and other hearty food greet visitors at the
center on Lake Marcia. For information, call (973) 702-1222; www.xcskihighpoint.com.

Camping

Online reservations can be made 7 days per week/24 hours a day at ReserveAmerica. To make a reservation through the call center, please contact ReserveAmerica at 1-855-607-3075 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday from April 1st through October 31st. Beginning November 1st through March 31st, hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Beginning January 1, 2014, a transaction fee of $5 will be charged for all walk-in overnight reservations.

Campsites: 50 tent sites
(no trailers) along Sawmill Lake with fire rings and picnic
tables. Flush toilets are within walking distance. Open April
1 through October 31. New Jersey Residents: $20 per night;
Non-Residents: $25 per night

Group campsites: Two group
campsites, accommodate 25 and 35 people each. Drinking water,
pit toilets. Open year round. During the winter months visitors must bring in their own water or obtain it at the park office. New Jersey Residents: $3 per person, per night;
Non-Residents: $5 per person, per night.We highly recommend that group leaders carefully estimate their group size so not to over estimate as refunds cannot be made later.

Cabins: Two cabins each
with furnished living room with a woodstove; three bedrooms
-one room with double bed, two rooms with twin beds; kitchen
with hot and cold running water, electric stove, refrigerator;
bathroom with shower, toilet, and sink. Electricity. Cabins
are located on eastern shore of Steenykill Lake. Each accommodates
six people. With prior permission from the superintendent,
two additional people may be accommodated. Cabins are open
from May 15 to October 15. New Jersey Residents: $75 per night; $525 per week
Non-Residents: $85 per night; $595 per week.

Group cabin:
Living room with woodstove, full kitchen, two bunkrooms with
double bunks, bathrooms, showers. Accommodates up to 28 people.
Open May 15 through October 15. New Jersey Residents: $175 per night; Two-night
minimum;
Non-Residents: $185 per night; Two-night
minimum

A Special Use Permit is utilized to accommodate a specific activity or event being conducted over a short duration. There are two types of special use permits: Non-Commercial and Commercial and fees are based on NJ residency and Non-residents. A completed application must be submitted to the park/forest area where the activity or event is being held at least 90 days prior to the event. If the special use or event is extremely large or complex, at least one-year’s prior notice is recommended.

Picnicking

Several picnic areas with table and
grills are located throughout the park. For larger groups,
we also offer three reservable picnic shelters that can accommodate
up to 75 people each. In addition, group picnic Shelter #1
has playground equipment and Shelter #2 offers play fields
and playground equipment. These areas may be reserved for
a fee:

New Jersey Resident $55
per day, plus applicable parking fees.

Non-Resident $65
per day, plus applicable parking fees.

Memorial
Day through Labor Day

New Jersey Resident $80
per day

Non-Resident $90
per day

Day
After Labor Day to Friday Before Memorial Day

50
percent of Fee

Group
Picnic Cancellation Fee

• Groups of 20 or more people shall
reserve picnic facilities at least five days in advance.
Such group use is not permitted on Holidays except as authorized
by the Superintendent. Reservations for picnic areas are
handled by the individual park area offices.

Reservations can be made over the telephone using a credit card, or by mail using the Group Picnic Reservation form* downloadable here. Payment in full of the appropriate group picnicking fee must accompany this application.

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